M7 Priest on static display in a museum in Brussels.
Source: Jean-Pol Grandmont -
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The M7 Priest is a tracked 105mm self-propelled howitzer of US origin. It was developed during the early stages of World War 2 and was produced from Februari 1942 onward. The present day use of the name M7 Priest is actually incorrect. In US service it was called the "105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M7" and in UK service the "105mm Self Propelled Gun Priest".
The M7 Priest is based on the chassis of the M3 Lee tank. Later on the M4A3 Sherman chassis was used. The gun is mounted facing forward and has a limited traverse. The raised steel superstructure gives the crew some protection.
The M7 Priest is fitted with the same ordnance as the towed 105mm M2A1 howitzer, which was later renamed M101. A total of 69 projectiles are carried. The maximum range is just over 11 km. A M2HB heavy machine gun is fitted in a drum type cupola for self-defense.
The M7 Priest has an open roof and the sides do not fully cover the crew. This makes the crew vulnerable. The steel armor protects the crew to some degree against small arms fire and shell splinters.
The tracked chassis gives the M7 Priest a good cross country performance, although the average speed is limited. A Continental 340 hp or 400 hp gas engine provides propulsion.
The M7 Priest was widely used by US forces in World War 2 and Korea. It was also used by the British and some commonwealth forces. After World War 2 the M7 Priest was exported to various US allies during the early Cold War era. For several decades the M7 Priest is no longer in active use and very few remain in storage.
Former Israeli M7 Priest on display in a museum.
Source: Bukvoed -
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The M7 Priest is armed with a 105mm howitzer derived from the towed M2A1, which was redesignated as the M101.
For self-defense against infantry and aircraft a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is fitted in a cupola.
The Canadian Sexton fulfills a similar role as the M7 Priest and is also derived from the M3 Lee and M4 Sherman chassis. The Sexton is armed with the smaller QF-25 pounder gun-howitzer.
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